Obituaries : Mary Lucille Voss

Mary Lucille Voss passed away at HallMar Village in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, at the age of 89, on September 18, 2025. 

A celebration of her life will be held on October 4, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Eldora, Iowa.  A vigil service will be held at 9:00 with visitation to follow.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 with a luncheon afterwards.

Family and friends are also welcome at a memorial service at the chapel at HallMar Village in Cedar Rapids on October 9 at 1:30.

Mary was born on November 15, 1935 in Mercy Hospital, Cedar Rapids, to Valeria (Womichil) and Francis J. Voss.  She joined two older brothers, Dan and Regis.  Mary was a happy chatty one who enjoyed life which she considered an adventure.  Growing up on the family farm, she learned a fantastic work ethic. When her brothers were both in the military, Mary became the farm hand.  This included driving a tractor, feeding dairy cattle and using a two-unit surge milker.  Mary attended the Atkins school for 12 years.  Upon graduation she enrolled in Mt. Mercy college on a scholarship.  In those years her middle name could have been mischief. All Mary ever wanted to do was teach school. 

She entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1954 and served under the name of Sister Mary Francine.  After teaching in various grade schools, she completed her degree in math and was assigned to Regis High School.  After she resigned from the religious community she obtained a teaching position at the State Training School in Eldora for delinquent boys.  That position came with never a dull moment but discipline was her forte.  After finishing 40 years in teaching, with 30 in Eldora, Mary retired.

Mary was off on a new adventure with a trip to Europe, New York, winters in Texas and sight seeing in America. She enjoyed it all.

Mary liked mowing lawns and refinishing furniture.  Her entertainment consisted of watching old movies plus cheering on the Hawkeyes and the Kansas City Chiefs.  She was very open and blunt in her opinion of some referees.

When age caught up with her, Mary moved to HalMar Village in Marion.  She spent the rest of her life here.  Mary always said life was good to her. 

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, siblings and their wives, Dan(Elaine), Regis (Mardi), nephews David Voss, Mike Wampler and many friends.  At a later date, Mary’s ashes will be interred in the family plot in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa at a later date.

Mary is survived by nephews, nieces and friends who made her golden years enjoyable according to her.  In death she was off on her last adventure being welcomed into Heaven.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Eldora, Iowa with a designation to the Faith and Family Formation, or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com